Michael P. Muehlenbein

Michael P. Muehlenbein is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Baylor University. His research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields at the intersection of evolutionary biology, endocrinology, immunology, and public health. Dr. Muehlenbein directs the Laboratory for Evolutionary Medicine & One Health, where he leads research projects examining the complex interactions between hormones and immune function in humans and non-human primates.

Dr. Muehlenbein's primary research interests focus on:

• Evolutionary endocrinology, particularly behavioral endocrinology and reproductive ecology
• Ecological immunology, including laboratory and field methods development
• One Health approaches to emerging infectious diseases, anthrozoology, travel medicine, and conservation medicine
• Public education in evolutionary medicine and human/non-human primate evolutionary biology

His work investigates fundamental questions regarding the physiologies and behaviors of humans, monkeys, and apes, with particular emphasis on explicating the proximate and ultimate causes and consequences of immune-endocrine interactions. Dr. Muehlenbein maintains both field- and laboratory-based research projects that build upon one another to identify logical directions in research on hormone-mediated immunity, particularly focusing on testosterone's role in immune function.

Analysis of Dr. Muehlenbein's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research connecting evolutionary medicine with practical public health applications. His work increasingly focuses on the implications of human-animal interactions for disease transmission, particularly in the context of ecotourism and conservation efforts. There is also a clear emphasis on understanding the physiological mechanisms underlying immune-endocrine interactions and their relevance to human health conditions.

Dr. Muehlenbein is actively involved in mentoring the next generation of researchers. He recruits PhD students through multiple departments including Anthropology, Biology, Environmental Sciences, and various institutes at Baylor University. His laboratory provides opportunities for students to engage in combined field and laboratory research projects related to evolutionary medicine and One Health.

Dr. Muehlenbein's laboratory, the Laboratory for Evolutionary Medicine & One Health, serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research examining the complex relationships between hormones, immunity, and behavior in both human and non-human primate populations. The lab conducts both field and laboratory research, with projects spanning from Malaysia to South Africa, investigating how ecological and social factors influence physiological responses and disease susceptibility.